Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

What is Oriental medicine?

Oriental medicine is a comprehensive system of health care with a continuous clinical tradition of more than 3,000 years. It includes acupuncture and herbal treatment, as well as massage, dietary therapy, Qi Gong, meditation and exercise. These therapies work with the natural vital energies inherent with all living things to promote the body’s ability to heal itself. This health care system effectively serves one-quarter of the world’s population who reside in the Orient. It is rapidly gaining popularity in the West.

How does it work?

Oriental medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized the vital energy, which they called Qi (pronounced "chee") in all life forms and life processes. In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease, the ancient physicians discovered a system of Qi circulation throughout the human body, along specific pathways. Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system of internal organs. Disease is considered the result of imbalances of Qi within the body, impairing the optimal functioning of these organ systems.

The pathways, or meridians, which carry the vital energy of Qi, communicate with the surface points of the body at specific locations called acupuncture points. Each point has a predictable effect upon the Qi passing through it. Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points, thus corroborating the locations of the meridians mapped by the ancients.

Oriental medicine has developed methods of determining the flow of Qi in the meridians, using an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis. Findings from these diagnostic systems are combined with other signs and symptoms to create a composite diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated to bring the body back to a balanced state of health.

What can I expect if treated?

Acupuncture and herbs may alleviate many conditions very rapidly; however, some conditions that have arisen over a course of years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress. As in many forms of healing, the patient’s attitude, diet, determination, and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine is also an educational process in which the patient becomes more aware, and responsible for his or her own body’s vitality and wellness. Counsel may be given to help the patient establish a more balanced lifestyle and thus maintain a deeper sense of well-being. Oriental Medicine is a complete system in itself, and is complementary to Western medicine. Your acupuncturist may, depending on your condition, recommend that you seek further advice or treatment from your primary care healthcare practitioner.

Is acupuncture safe?

Under the care and supervision of a Licensed Acupuncturist, your safety is assured. The needles for treatments are sterile, disposed of after each use, and students receive extensive training in all areas of safety protocol.

Is acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture needles are very fine, flexible, and are about the diameter of a strand of human hair. Acupuncture bears no resemblance to the feeling of receiving an injection, since the main source of pain from injections is the larger diameter, hollow needle and the medication being pushed into the tissue by pressure. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner is performed with a minimum of discomfort. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many fall asleep during the treatments.

What can it treat?

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and Oriental medicine’s ability to treat more than 43 commonly encountered clinical disorders, including:

• Gastrointestinal disorders

• Food allergies, peptic ulcer, constipation, chronic diarrhea, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia, and gastritis.

• Urogenital disorders

• Stress incontinence, urinary tract infections and sexual dysfunction.

• Gynecological disorders, including irregular, heavy or painful menstruation, PMS, and infertility in women and men.

• Respiratory disorders

• Emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies, and bronchitis.

• Disorders of the bones, muscles, joints and nervous system

• Arthritis, neuralgia, migraine headaches, insomnia, dizziness, and low back, neck and shoulder pain.

• Circulatory disorders

• Hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis, and anemia.

• Emotional and psychological disorders

• Depression, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), anxiety and stress.

• Addictions

• Alcohol, nicotine, and many types of drug addiction.

• General Medicine

• Eye, ear, nose and throat disorders, including cold and flu symptom relief.

Does my medical insurance cover my treatments?

A number of medical insurance companies cover acupuncture under their policies. Please contact your employer or health insurance company to inquire about your coverage.

How long is an appointment?

First visits to an acupuncturist generally can take one and a half to two hours. Subsequent visits are usually one hour in duration.

Why are more people seeking this form of health care?

• It empowers people, returning to them the responsibility and control of their own bodies and health care.

• It successfully treats many health issues which may not be addressed by Western medical practitioners.

• It’s safe, effective and has virtually no side effects.

• It treats the whole person, not just the disease.

• It uses the body’s natural healing processes to effect relief.